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Highlights from the MPC13

On Day 3 of the Mackinac Policy Conference, the Oneupweb team reflects on some of their favorite sessions so far:

Building and Protecting Michigan’s Critical Cyber Infrastructure

We’re no stranger to the dangers lurking in the online world. As web developers, we preach—and practice—the need for secure hosting, strong cyber hygiene, and general online security best practices. It was vital for attendees from both the state government and the private sector to hear experts discuss the threats facing our state government and Michigan businesses, as well as the collaborative efforts being made to proactively defend against hackers. Check out the Michigan Cyber Range, which is helping Michigan businesses prepare against cyber-attacks.

Encouraging Entrepreneurship: The Catalyst for Continued Economic Growth in Michigan

Michigan was built by individuals who turned ideas into action. This panel spotlighted four Detroit-area startups: digital app producer Detroit Labs; Plymouth-based raw juice company DROUGHT; craft wristwatch, bicycle, leather goods and journal manufacturer Shinola; and boutique energy management firm Walker-Miller Energy Services. In many ways, the lessons offered by these successful startups echo those of any successful Michigan businesses: be authentic, be consistent, and be bold.

“Morning Joe” Comes to Mackinac

While Michigan’s own auto pioneer Henry Ford didn’t care much for compromise (“any color you want as long as it’s black”), it featured prominently at this year’s Mackinac Policy Conference. Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzeizski, hosts of MSNBC’s popular “Morning Joe” program, noted humorously that Bill Clinton was actually on the phone talking policy issues with Newt Gingrich on the very day that Gingrich sought to finalize impeachment of the former president. As digital marketers, we can take similar lessons to heart. With so many stakeholders invested in marketing—ranging from the product development team, the IT team and the marketing team itself, we must strive for balanced, practical solutions that address the diversified, sometimes at-odds objectives of everyone involved.